scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Mobile App Intervention for Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tayla McCloud ◽  
Rebecca Jones ◽  
Gemma Lewis ◽  
Vaughan Bell ◽  
Elias Tsakanikos
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
University Students ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Randomized Controlled

BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety symptoms are common among university students, but many do not receive treatment. This is often because of lack of availability, reluctance to seek help, and not meeting the diagnostic criteria required to access services. Internet-based interventions, including smartphone apps, can overcome these issues. However, a large number of apps are available, each with little evidence of their effectiveness. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate for the first time the effectiveness of a self-guided mobile app, Feel Stress Free, for the treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms in students. METHODS A web-based randomized controlled trial compared a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)–based mobile app Feel Stress Free with a wait-list control. University students self-identified as experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression and were randomized to 6 weeks of intervention (n=84) or control (n=84), unblinded. The app is self-guided and incorporates behavioral relaxation activities, mood tracking and thought challenging, and minigames. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale online at baseline and every fortnight. RESULTS At week 6, the primary end point, there was evidence that the Feel Stress Free app reduced depression symptoms (mean difference −1.56; 95% CI −2.67 to −0.44; <i>P</i>=.006) but only very weak evidence that it reduced anxiety symptoms (mean difference −1.36; 95% CI −2.93 to 0.21; <i>P</i>=.09). At week 4, there was evidence to support the effectiveness of the intervention for anxiety symptoms (mean difference −1.94; 95% CI −3.11 to −0.77; <i>P</i>=.001) and, though weaker, depression symptoms (mean difference −1.08; 95% CI −2.12 to −0.04; <i>P</i>=.04). At week 6, 83% (34/41) of participants indicated that they were using the app weekly or more frequently. CONCLUSIONS The Feel Stress Free app is a promising mobile intervention for treating symptoms of anxiety and depression in students and overcomes many of the barriers to traditional CBT. Further research is needed to establish its effectiveness at and beyond 6 weeks. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03032952; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03032952

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Mobile App Intervention for Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/15418 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e15418
Author(s):  
Tayla McCloud ◽  
Rebecca Jones ◽  
Gemma Lewis ◽  
Vaughan Bell ◽  
Elias Tsakanikos
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
University Students ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background Depression and anxiety symptoms are common among university students, but many do not receive treatment. This is often because of lack of availability, reluctance to seek help, and not meeting the diagnostic criteria required to access services. Internet-based interventions, including smartphone apps, can overcome these issues. However, a large number of apps are available, each with little evidence of their effectiveness. Objective This study aims to evaluate for the first time the effectiveness of a self-guided mobile app, Feel Stress Free, for the treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms in students. Methods A web-based randomized controlled trial compared a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)–based mobile app Feel Stress Free with a wait-list control. University students self-identified as experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression and were randomized to 6 weeks of intervention (n=84) or control (n=84), unblinded. The app is self-guided and incorporates behavioral relaxation activities, mood tracking and thought challenging, and minigames. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale online at baseline and every fortnight. Results At week 6, the primary end point, there was evidence that the Feel Stress Free app reduced depression symptoms (mean difference −1.56; 95% CI −2.67 to −0.44; P=.006) but only very weak evidence that it reduced anxiety symptoms (mean difference −1.36; 95% CI −2.93 to 0.21; P=.09). At week 4, there was evidence to support the effectiveness of the intervention for anxiety symptoms (mean difference −1.94; 95% CI −3.11 to −0.77; P=.001) and, though weaker, depression symptoms (mean difference −1.08; 95% CI −2.12 to −0.04; P=.04). At week 6, 83% (34/41) of participants indicated that they were using the app weekly or more frequently. Conclusions The Feel Stress Free app is a promising mobile intervention for treating symptoms of anxiety and depression in students and overcomes many of the barriers to traditional CBT. Further research is needed to establish its effectiveness at and beyond 6 weeks. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03032952; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03032952

scholarly journals Brief Mindfulness Intervention vs. Health Enhancement Program for Patients Undergoing Dialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 659
Author(s):  
Marouane Nassim ◽  
Haley Park ◽  
Elena Dikaios ◽  
Angela Potes ◽  
Sasha Elbaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Mindfulness Intervention ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Secondary Analyses

Background: Between 20–50% of patients undergoing maintenance dialysis for end-stage kidney disease experience symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, associated with increased mortality, greater health care utilization, and decreased quality of life. It is unknown whether mindfulness-based interventions can improve depression and anxiety symptoms in patients receiving this treatment. Methods: We conducted an 8-week multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing a brief mindfulness intervention (BMI) vs. an active control (Health Enhancement Program [HEP]) in 55 patients receiving dialysis with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. The primary outcome was change in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression scores, with a primary analysis in participants with baseline PHQ-9 ≥ 10, and a secondary analysis including all participants. The secondary outcome was change in Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) anxiety scores with corresponding primary and secondary analyses. Results: Both BMI and HEP reduced depressive symptoms, with no difference between trial arms (PHQ-9 change = −7.0 vs. −6.1, p = 0.62). BMI was more effective than HEP in reducing anxiety (GAD-7 change = −8.7 vs. −1.4, p = 0.01). Secondary analyses revealed no differences between arms. Conclusions: For patients undergoing dialysis, both BMI and HEP may be helpful interventions for depression symptoms, and BMI may be superior to HEP for anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based and other psychosocial interventions may be further evaluated in those undergoing dialysis as treatment options for symptoms of depression and anxiety.

scholarly journals MINDFULNESS TRAINING FOR CAREGIVERS OF ALZHEIMER PATIENTS: PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S860-S860
Author(s):  
Miriam Hurtado Pomares ◽  
Daniel Mendialdua Canales ◽  
Paula Peral Gómez ◽  
Cristina Espinosa Sempere ◽  
Iris Juárez Leal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Mindfulness Based Health Care (MBHC) provides meditation techniques that may help to mitigate negative impact of dementia caregiving. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups including 42 caregivers of Alzheimer patients (21 pairs). MBHC group learned the practice of mindfulness meditation once a week through 8 classes; control group did not receive any therapy. Anxiety and depression symptoms were the primary outcomes assessed in two occasions, i.e. at baseline and the end of the program, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale respectively. Neuropsychiatric disorders of Alzheimer patients were also measured with Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire. The details of the randomized controlled trial were described in clinicaltrial.gov NCT03858283. In this abstract, we presented the results of a pilot study conducted with 42 caregivers. Robust linear regression using MM-type estimator was performed to evaluate the changes in neuropsychiatric disorders in patients and anxiety and depression symptoms in caregivers adjusting for Score of Scale Global Deterioration. We observed that, compared to the control group, the MBHC group showed a tendency to a reduction in the total score Neuropsychiatric Inventor (β=-5.20; CI 95%: -10.47; 0.07) and the depression symptoms in the caregivers (β=-2.30; CI 95%: -5.43; 0.83). However, no changes were observed in the anxiety symptoms of the caregivers. In conclusion, the results of this pilot study suggested a positive effective on the reduction of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patents as well as on the depression in the caregivers. Nevertheless, these findings should be confirmed in a further complete study.

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